Stoltenberg continue to head NATO
NATO has prolonged Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s term for two more years, AP said. The world’s biggest military alliance said Tuesday that its 29 nations had decided that the former Norwegian prime minister’s term will last until September 30, 2020. It also said the allies congratulate the secretary-general and“have full confidence in his ability to continue his dedicated work to advance NATO’s adaptation to the security challenges of the 21st century.” The German government last week backed a two-year extension of Stoltenberg’s term.
Russia suspends diplomatic presence in Yemen
Moscow has decided to suspend its diplomatic presence in Yemen, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. The decision was made in light of the situation in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, TASS quoted her as saying. The personnel of the Russian Embassy have left the country, she added. The Russian ambassador to Yemen and some diplomatic staff will be working temporarily out of the Saudi capital Riyadh, according to the ministry.
Poland fined US-owned broadcaster TVN
United States criticized a decision by Poland’s media regulator to slap a $415,000 fine on TVN, a US-owned private broadcaster, saying the ruling appeared to undermine media freedom. PiS has been at loggerheads with the European Union over policy, including placing the country’s media under increased state control.
TVN24 is the most widely watched independent channel in Poland, and critics on Monday interpreted the fine as an effort to mute its criticism of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party amid speculation the state may take the broadcaster over.
The broadcaster was fined by regulator KRRiT on Monday over its coverage of protests in parliament last year.
“This decision appears to undermine media freedom in Poland, a close ally and fellow democracy. Free and independent media are essential to a strong democracy,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement on Tuesday.
It added that it remained confident in the ability of Polish authorities to ensure democratic institutions were fully functioning and respected.
The regulator said it had fined the broadcaster’s TVN24 channel for “promoting illegal activities and encouraging behavior that threatens security,” without giving details.
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